Manglesh Dabral was a famous Hindi poet and journalist known for his deep and meaningful poetry. His works reflected human emotions, society, and politics. He was born on 16 May 1948 in Kaphalpani, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, and passed away on 9 December 2020 due to COVID-19.
Dabral worked with top Hindi newspapers like Jansatta, Hindi Patriot, and Purvagrah. His poetry collections, including “Pahar Par Lalten” (Lamp on the Hills) and “Ghar Ka Rasta” (The Way Home), brought a fresh voice to Hindi literature. In 2000, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection “Ham Jo Dekhte Hain” (What We See).
Early Life and Education
Manglesh Dabral was born in Kaphalpani, a small village in Uttarakhand. He spent his childhood in the mountains, which later influenced his poetry. He completed his education in Dehradun before moving to Delhi to start his career in journalism.
Career in Journalism
Dabral was a strong journalist who worked for several well-known newspapers and magazines, such as:
- Hindi Patriot
- Pratipaksh
- Aaspaas
- Purvagrah (Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal)
- Amrit Prabhat (Allahabad & Lucknow)
- Jansatta (as an editor)
- Sahara Samay
- Public Agenda (as an editor)
At Jansatta, he edited the Sunday magazine “Ravivari,” where he guided many young Hindi writers. His work in journalism connected literature with real-world issues.
Contributions to Hindi Literature
Manglesh Dabral was known for his simple yet powerful poetry. His poems touched topics like home, nature, loneliness, and political issues. Some of his famous poetry collections include:
- “Pahar Par Lalten” (Lamp on the Hills)
- “Ghar Ka Rasta” (The Way Home)
- “Ham Jo Dekhte Hain” (What We See)
- “Awaz Bhi Ek Jagah Hai” (Voice Also Has a Place)
- “Naye Yug Men Shatru” (Foes in the Modern World)
Apart from poetry, he also wrote prose and travelogues, such as:
- “Lekhak Ki Roti” (A Writer’s Bread)
- “Kavi Ka Akelapan” (A Poet’s Loneliness)
- “Ek Bar Iowa” (Once in Iowa – a travel diary)
Translations and Global Recognition
Dabral translated many works into Hindi. One of his notable translations was Arundhati Roy’s “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” into Hindi (“Apar Khushi Ka Gharana”). His poetry was translated into several languages, including English, Russian, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.
He also received the World Writers Program Fellowship at the University of Iowa, USA.
Political Views and Protest
Manglesh Dabral was known for his bold opinions. He often criticized the government through his writings. In 2015, he returned his Sahitya Akademi Award to protest against the attacks on writers and freedom of speech in India.
Personal Life and Death
Dabral was married and had a son and a daughter. In December 2020, he fell sick due to COVID-19 and was admitted to a hospital in Ghaziabad. Later, he was shifted to AIIMS Delhi, where he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at the age of 72.
Legacy and Influence
Manglesh Dabral’s poetry remains a major influence in Hindi literature. His works are known for their simplicity, emotional depth, and social awareness. His poetry describes the struggles of a person lost between the city and his home in the mountains.
Many poets and writers remember him as a mentor and a voice of reason. His contributions to journalism and literature continue to inspire new generations.
Manglesh Dabral was not just a poet but a symbol of truth and resistance in Hindi literature. His words still resonate with readers and reflect the emotions of common people. His life and work will always be remembered as a beacon of courage and creativity.
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